GLADYS EDNA METTLER

1927 – 2017

Gladys Edna Mettler passed away on April 9, 2017, at the age of 98. She was the only child of E.F. and Martha Handel, born May 11, 1918. She attended Alpine School where she first learned to speak English. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1936. Her formal education was completed at Humphreys Business College in Stockton. Gladys married Carl B. Mettler on June 19, 1938, and they had over 50 years together. She was truly a farmer’s wife, enjoying cooking, canning, gardening, sewing, and running all the errands 4 children might need done. She lived her entire life in the Lodi area. Although she was born in a house on Locust Tree Road, when she was 11⁄2, her family moved to a house on Alpine Road, which had been built by her Uncle Bill Bender in 1933. She grew up, married, and raised 4 children in that home until they built a new home on that same location in 1950. Now, one of her granddaughters (Kim and Jason Eells, along with their two daughters) lives in that same house. One of her greatest passions in life was family history and genealogy. She was a member of the Lodi Historical Society and the Lodi Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. She gathered a large collection of photos, research books, and local history. She also kept a daily diary of everyday life for over 70 years. Gladys was a life-time member of Zion and a long-time member of the Zion Church Sewing Circle. She made most of her own clothing, taught sewing classes through the Alpine– Victor 4-H Club, made items as a volunteer at Lodi Memorial Hospital, and worked on many quilts. Every one of her 36 descendents has a quilt made by her. The last one was completed in 2016, when she was 98 years old. Carl and Gladys enjoyed traveling many places. They took their children on a road trip around the U.S., as well as many fishing, hunting, and boating trips. During the 50’s and 60’s, summers were often spent at their vacation home at Lake Tahoe. Later, they were part of a group that began camping at Plasses Resort by Silver Lake. Family members still camp there every summer. When their children were grown up and on their own, they took longer trips, including Europe, South America, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Holy Lands. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, E.F. and Martha Handel, her beloved husband, Carl; also, by her son, Clifford; and an infant great-grandson, Christopher Eells. She is survived by her sons, Jim Mettler (Carol) and Larry Mettler (Char); and daughter, Arlene Thompson (Donn). Grandchildren are: Matt Mettler, Audra Mettler. John Mettler, Scott Mettler, Andy Mettler, Benjamin Mettler, Julie Mettler, Kim Eells, Kelly Costamagna, Adam Mettler, Sarah Essary, Jackie Knapp, and Leslie Dahlquist. There are also 16 greatgrandchildren, and 3 greatgreat grandchildren. The family would like to thank Asera Care Hospice and Brookdale Assisted Living of Lodi. Gladys had a long, healthy life, and these two groups helped allow her to pass with the dignity and grace she always valued. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 14th, at Zion Lutheran Church (105 S. Ham Lane, Lodi). It will be preceded by a private family graveside service at 10:00 a.m. at Lodi Memorial Cemetery (5750 E. Pine Street). Visitation will be available Thursday, April 13th, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home (725 S. Fairmont Avenue, Lodi).

Anyone wishing to make donations in her name can send them to: The Lodi Historical Society (P.O. Box 264, Lodi, CA 95241-0624), Lodi Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (ASHGR, 1233 Salzburg Lane, Lodi, 95242, Attn: Audrey), or any charity of your choice.

A guest book may be signed at http:// www.lodifuneralhome.com .

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.